Yamada names district, capitol office staffers

Newly sworn in Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada has hired staff and opened her district office in Vacaville.

Yamada, D-Solano, was elected on Nov. 4 to represent the 8th Assembly District.

Her District Coordinator Anthony "Tony" Wong, is managing the Vacaville District Office, located at 555 Mason St. He has worked in the district offices of former state Senator Mike Machado, Assemblyman Kevin Shelley, and the late Congressman Tom Lantos.

Chief of Staff Rebecca Nieto, is managing Yamada's capitol office, and most recently served as director of research in the Speaker's Office of Member Services. She comes with 25 years of experience, serving in all areas of state assembly operations and as chief of staff to several former members.

Senior Legislative Assistant Dan Kysor and his guide dog, "Hilly," will support Yamada's legislative program. Kysor joins Yamada's capital staff after serving as government affairs director for the California Council on the Blind for the past 12 years.

Senior Assistant Brandy Capik will manage Yamada's schedule and coordinate her capitol office operations. Capik joins the Yamada team after eight years of Assembly experience, including two years as a committee secretary and four years as a consultant to two speakers.